Which of the following is not currently a major cause of species extinctions?

Options

A. Habitat destruction
B. Climate change
C. Overexploitation
D. Introduction of predators

Answer

To determine which of the following options is not currently a major cause of species extinctions, we will analyze each option provided.

### Step 1: Understand the concept of extinction
Extinction refers to the process where a species ceases to exist. This can occur due to various factors that disrupt the survival of species in their natural habitats.

### Step 2: Analyze the options
1. **Habitat Destruction**: This is a significant cause of extinction. When natural habitats are destroyed (e.g., deforestation, urbanization), species lose their homes and resources, leading to their decline and eventual extinction.

2. **Climate Change**: This is another major cause of extinction. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, increase greenhouse gases, leading to global warming. This affects ecosystems and species survival.

3. **Overexploitation**: This refers to the unsustainable use of resources, such as overfishing, hunting, and logging. This can deplete species faster than they can reproduce, leading to extinction.

4. **Introduction of Predators**: While the introduction of non-native predators can impact local species, it does not directly cause extinction in the same way as the other factors. It may lead to population declines, but it is often more about ecological balance rather than a primary cause of extinction.

### Step 3: Identify the correct answer
Based on the analysis, the introduction of predators is not currently a major cause of species extinctions compared to habitat destruction, climate change, and overexploitation. Therefore, the correct answer is the option related to the introduction of predators.

### Final Answer
The option that is not currently a major cause of species extinctions is **the introduction of predators**.

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